Bildung Community
Meet our community: the board, the working groups, and the volunteers who help shape Bildung Nijmegen.
Chairman
Yavuz Goktas
As chairman of Bildung Nijmegen, I strongly believe in the power of people. Every day, I see what becomes possible when people are given the space to grow, to meet one another, and to build something together.
For me, Bildung is about more than learning. It is about personal growth, discovering your talents, building confidence, and working together on something that truly matters. I get a lot of energy from connecting people, ideas, and initiatives, and seeing something meaningful take shape from that.
Through my background in youth work and the collaborations I have been part of over the years, I have seen how important it is for people to feel heard, taken seriously, and included. That, to me, is the core of Bildung Nijmegen: creating space for development, connection, and initiative.
Whether it is young people, makers, professionals, organisations, or others involved, I believe in what can happen when people find one another and build ideas together that make a real difference.
Do you have an idea, plan, or dream that connects with this? I would be glad to think it through with you.
Secretary | International Working Group
Adnan Sisman
Hello, my name is Adnan Sisman.
In recent years, I have worked as an intercultural consultant supporting disadvantaged groups in and around Nijmegen. Besides helping with practical matters such as interpreting, explaining letters from institutions and assisting with applications for social support, I focused on building a bridge between these communities and social or cultural activities. I strongly believe it is essential to bring people from different backgrounds together for open dialogue, so that we can learn with each other and especially from each other.
I now hope to apply my practical experience within Bildung Nijmegen by helping to organise activities for young people, including workshops, Erasmus+ projects and cultural initiatives. I look forward to meeting you at a Bildung Nijmegen event soon.
Treasurer
Ramon Rahangmetan
Hi, my name is Ramon Rahangmetan. I am a freelance educator, project manager, and public speaker specializing in youth participation, sustainability, and European cooperation. I am also a co-founder of Circle of Sustainable Europe (CoSE), a Brussels-based organization that connects young people with European policy, education, and international projects. As a public speaker, I have spoken at venues including the European Parliament, the United Nations Office in Geneva, and World Summit AI in Amsterdam.
With an academic background in Urban Sustainable Development and Hospitality & Business Management, my work focuses on non-formal learning, digital skills, and active citizenship. I also facilitate interactive workshops such as Tech Trends!, Hello Europe!, and Media Literacy at various schools.
Within Bildung Nijmegen, I serve as Treasurer, contributing to the organization’s financial management as well as its project development and strategic growth.
Board member | Regional Working Group
Claudia Librizzi
My name is Claudia. I’m a visual artist and singer, and since 2017 I’ve been active as a volunteer in social and youth work. I guide and train young people through non-formal education: learning by doing, experiencing and experimenting in an open and supportive environment.
At the end of 2022, I joined Bildung Nijmegen as a board member. Bildung means a lot to me because it truly focuses on young people and their growth. We believe it’s important that they don’t only learn from us as trainers, but also from each other. I love sharing and promoting this way of learning, and I hope it inspires others to do the same and to help create a world where young people have the space to grow, discover who they are, and support one another
Honorary Board Member — In Memoriam
Stephan Spieker
In memory of our dear friend, colleague and fellow board member.
Our unofficial community mascot
Amy 🐾
Amy is our loyal office dog and a beloved member of the Bildung community. During meetings and projects, she often brings a smile and helps create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
International Working Group
Meet the team behind our International Working Group.
International Working Group
Setareh Sezavar
Hi, I’m Setareh. As a pedagogue, I guide young people and young adults in an informal and non-formal way. At Bildung Nijmegen, I focus on their personal development, strengthening their self-confidence, and helping them discover their own potential. I work from an agogic background, with attention to safety, connection, and growth.
International Working Group
Veronica Belzonella
Hello! I'm Veronica, from Italy. I left my country at the age of 17, lived in Brazil for a while and now study Artificial Intelligence at Radboud University in Nijmegen. My greatest passion is traveling, which allows me to discover the most diverse cultures and lifestyles. In our differences and uniqueness I find the inspiration to model and improve my own values and perspective. Volunteer work, especially for young people and in education, is another passion of mine. I believe that through my experiences I have learned as much as a teacher than as a student.
International Working Group | Board Advisor
Aleksandr Stommels
When you meet me for the first time, you will experience my positive vibe, which will immediately make you want to discuss possibilities and start working together. How will we work together to tackle your personal development in new education?
As a sensitive, social person with a lot of empathy, I am available to others as a problem solver and mentor and I am results-oriented to achieve maximum results in collaboration with students and teachers on the challenges that lie ahead.
My passion for Bildung is deeply-rooted. In addition to knowledge and skills, attention must also be paid to personal growth, ethics, and the ability to think critically. With an open, honest and friendly attitude and a lot of humor, I stay in touch with an entire ecosystem and with this we achieve the development of your full potential at Bildung. I look forward to starting this journey with you!
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International Working Group
Joshua Tourlamain
Coming soon
International Working Group
Rebecca-Elisa de Jeer
I am Rebecca-Elisa de Jeer, a spontaneous International Social Work student at HAN with a heart for language and culture.
In my spare time I dance, sing and like to travel the world to get to know new people and cultures.
I already had the opportunity to do this a few times through Erasmus+, including through Bildung Nijmegen. These valuable experiences have inspired me to show my fellow students the opportunities and to offer help if they also want to discover Erasmus +. I will do this from September through membership of the Europeans Network and I want to do this locally through Bildung Nijmegen.
I find Bildung so fascinating because through experiences and art you can learn very differently, super fun and personally for everyday life. The Bildung Lumbung performance project showed me what this could look like in concrete terms. This explored another non-Western view of working with others as a community.
Come meet me at Bildung and I can tell you which other committees and organizations I am in! So see you soon :)
International Working Group
Berna Adiyaman
Hi, I'm Berna, an enthusiastic student with extensive experience in the Erasmus+ landscape. During my career I have participated in a number of projects, including training, seminars, study visits and youth exchanges. I have also organized several projects in the Netherlands, Spain, Italy and Turkey.
My passion for Erasmus+ and Bildung stems from my belief that these programs give young people the opportunity to grow, learn and explore the world. I look forward to being involved in project development at Bildung and further developing myself within this field.
In addition to my experience with project management, I offer support as a Turkish/English interpreter, content creator and creative writer.
I believe that Bildung can play an important role in building bridges between different cultures and communities. I am therefore really looking forward to contributing to the Bildung Community! See you soon!
International Working Group
Şevket Yilmaz
I’m Şevket YILMAZ, and I wanted to take a moment to share a bit about myself. Currently, I’m pursuing my Master’s in Business Administration at Hasan Kalyoncu University, building on my Bachelor’s in Construction Education.
I have a passion for project management and strategic planning, which I get to explore as the Executive Manager and co-founder of Pacific Consultancy Ltd. In this role, I focus on driving our vision forward, managing projects, and securing grants to support our initiatives. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our work make a tangible impact.
Before this, I served as a Project Coordinator at KALITTO, where I had the pleasure of working on several EU-funded projects. I’ve also gained valuable experience at the UNFAO as an M&E Assistant, diving deep into monitoring and evaluation processes. Each of these experiences has taught me the importance of collaboration and building strong relationships with stakeholders.
I’m fluent in English and have a working knowledge of Spanish, which helps me connect with diverse teams and communities. I truly believe in the power of teamwork and approach every challenge with a positive and constructive mindset.
I’m excited about the possibility of contributing my skills and experience to meaningful projects and making a difference together. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to connecting!
International Working Group
Gizem Arik
Hi, I’m Gizem. I originally trained as an English teacher, and later I became part of the Erasmus+ office at Kalitto, where I supported and coordinated several international projects. I’m a calm and dedicated person, and I take pride in working hard and delivering things with care and consistency.
At Bildung Nijmegen, I feel at home in the international side of our work. I enjoy contributing to projects that bring young people together, create meaningful connections, and open doors to new experiences across cultures.
International Working Group
Dudu Türkü Eroğlu
Coming soon
International Working Group
Ibrahim Kayal
My name is Ibrahim Kayal, and I am a student at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. I was also named HBO Hero of the Netherlands 2025. I strongly believe in the power of connection between people, cultures, and communities. I am passionate about traveling, discovering new cultures, and bringing people from different backgrounds together to help build a world without borders.
In addition, I created my own documentary, together with inspiring individuals from the Netherlands, about inequality and injustice in the world and how we can address it. Through my story, I aim to contribute to awareness, connection, and a greener, safer future where everyone feels free and welcome.
International Working Group
Eva Maria Olteanu
Through my journey in the Erasmus+ program, I’ve been able to turn my love for travel, personal growth, and youth work into real projects ones I’ve written myself or brought to life together with youth organizations. I create opportunities for young people while continuing to explore the world myself, showing that you can chase new adventures and run meaningful projects at the same time (usually with a smile and an overpacked backpack).
At Bildung Nijmegen, I found a place where young people, art, and personal growth come together. We create opportunities for those who need them most, in a way that is human, curious, and genuinely collaborative. It’s a community where ideas truly come alive, and where not only the projects grow, but the people behind them as well.
Regional Working Group
Meet the team behind our Regional Working Group.
Regional Working Group
Keyshia Tshuma
Hello, I'm Keyshia, from the vibrant Nijmegen.
With a wealth of experience in event planning and management, I am an expert in creating unforgettable moments. As a passionate social media content creator and website builder, I know how to bring brands and ideas to life online. My networking skills allow me to create valuable connections between people and organizations.
My background in media, including hosting, filming, podcasting and video editing, has given me a versatile toolkit to tell stories in a dynamic way. Familiar with the youth hotspots in Nijmegen, I have built a network that is essential for reaching and engaging this target group. My good connections with local media companies are a testimony to my dedication and competence in this field.
Since 2014, I have gained a wealth of work and life experience as a youth worker at various organizations. These experiences have strengthened my ability to support and guide young people. I am currently completing my training as a social counselor in Arnhem, with the ambition to help young people reach their full potential.
I am passionate about connecting people and look forward to contributing to the Bildung team. Together we can make a positive impact on the community and create an environment where everyone can grow and thrive.
Greetings Keyshia Tshuma
Regional Working Group
Antoni Chen
My name is Antoni Chen, and I am a third-year Business Administration student. I currently hold a unique position as an intern at the HAN Green Office and as a team member at Sustainable Solutions. What makes this role special is that I can develop myself within two organisations that both play a meaningful part in advancing sustainability in education.
In both the HAN Green Office and Sustainable Solutions (SUSO), I work as an account manager, and I also manage SUSO’s social media platforms. In addition, I am part of the Honours Programme at the HAN, where I continue to sharpen my skills and broaden my perspectives.
Through my internship, my work, and my personal interests, I find myself in a valuable phase of my lif, one in which I am gaining a great deal of practical experience. I am grateful for the opportunities these organisations offer me, and I look forward to growing together with them, now also in collaboration with Bildung Nijmegen.
Regional Working Group | Legal
Damian Coenen
Hello! My name is Damian Coenen.
I graduated as a lawyer in 2021 and am currently also working as a fiduciary administrator. In that capacity I am at the centre of the social domain.
I am a critical person. I don't shy away from big challenges and I don't take anything for granted.
One of my most important competencies is being open and approachable. In this way, I want to keep the threshold low for everyone to get in touch with the Bildung Platform Nijmegen Foundation as low as possible. Let’s have a coffee together sometime.
Regional Working Group | Internal Confidential Adviser
Cristel Busser
For me, Bildung is a place where people can share ideas freely and without judgment, even when they strongly disagree.
We live in turbulent times, and polarization is growing. This puts freedom of speech, and with it our democracy, under pressure.
The Bildung Foundation aims to offer a platform where dialogue and debate can take place openly and respectfully, helping people develop their full potential.
By engaging in real conversation, we strengthen critical thinking and mutual understanding. I’m glad to contribute to that through my own interests and experiences.
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Regional Working Group
Eda Sisman
Hello, my name is Eda. I’m 26 years old, originally from Türkiye, and I’ve been living in the beautiful city of Nijmegen for almost five years now. I recently completed my B1 Dutch course, something I’m really proud of. Back in Türkiye, I graduated as a surgical assistant and worked in several hospitals a profession I’m still very passionate about.
Since 2024, I’ve been involved with Bildung Nijmegen and have taken part in various projects. I truly enjoy meeting new people, working together, and continuing to grow. Through Bildung, I’ve been able to improve both my Dutch and my English, but also develop my creativity, confidence, and sense of connection.
I’m excited to gain more experience, make new friends, and actively contribute to our community.
Regional Working Group
Justin van den Brink
Hi! I’m Justin, born and raised in Nijmegen.
I studied event management and nowadays I work as a First Employee in a hotel and as soon as festival season kicks off, you’ll find me behind the bar as a Bar Manager.
Music is my biggest passion: I play guitar, DJ, and you can find me almost every week at an open mic or in the karaoke club, where I can sing and just be myself.
At Bildung I feel completely at home. I get a lot of energy from meeting new people, sharing my knowledge, and contributing to a creative and inclusive community.
Thanks to Bildung I’ve already been able to join several international Erasmus+ projects as well as regional projects in and around Nijmegen and hopefully many more are still to come!
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Regional Working Group
Mina Wardak
Hello, my name is Mina. I have a background in law and I am also the founder of Mùska Couture, a couture label that is much more to me than just fashion. Driven by my passion for empowerment and self-expression, I organise fashion shows and give workshops where young women come together, discover their talents, and grow more confident in who they are.
Connection is at the heart of my work. I find it important to create a safe and inspiring environment where everyone feels seen and heard. For me, communication, openness and respect form the foundation for having real conversations and growing together.
Within Bildung Nijmegen, I see a place where there is room for development, dialogue and strengthening each other’s qualities. I believe this space helps young people find their own voice and build their confidence, something I am grateful to contribute to with my background and passion.
Regional Working Group
Jordi Cohen
Coming soon
Regional Working Group
Ferdinand Boesveld
For me, art therapy doesn't just mean guidance, but also creating space together for what's still inactive, the emotions, the images, the movements that defy words. At Bildung Nijmegen, I enjoy working with young people to feel safe enough to listen to themselves again. I believe that personal growth arises when you learn not only to think, but also to dare to feel, to create, and to connect with your environment.
Regional Working Group
Sophie Pals
I’m Sophie Pals. Within Bildung Nijmegen, I guide and support young people in a personal, approachable way.
I have a background in pedagogy and social work, and I’ve spent many years working in informal and non-formal learning environments. Those are the spaces where I feel most at home, places where young people can speak freely, experiment, and explore who they are becoming.
Regional Working Group
Shohreh Yazdani
Coming soon
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Regional Working Group
Rita Abo Okdi
My name is Rita Abo Okdi. I am 18 years old and have a strong interest in technology. I enjoy working with computers and digital systems, and I like helping others use digital tools.
I will soon start studying Computer Science at Radboud University. Through this study, I want to further develop my technical skills and build a future in the IT field. At Bildung Nijmegen, I use my skills to support others and work together on projects.
Regional Working Group
Peter van der Woude
I’m Peter! I studied Business Administration and Circular Economy here in Nijmegen, and I’m passionate about everything related to sustainability, from new materials and the energy transition to multi-value creation and climate justice.
At Bildung, I’m involved in activities and projects focused on sustainability and social change. I’m naturally very curious and a big fan of adventure, so I’m always exploring new ideas and trying different things. Bildung matches my passion for connecting people and thinking outside the box.
Regional Working Group
Antoaneta Yoshovska
Coming soon
Regional Working Group
Boris Huberts
Coming soon
Bildung Advisors
In addition to the board, the following advisors also contribute to the Bildung community.
Board Advisor
Prof. Dr. Jan Bransen
I am a Professor of Philosophy of the Behavioral Sciences and the author of a manifesto for a different kind of education, Shaped or Distorted? I am deeply committed to creating, outside all existing educational institutions, a place where people can engage in personal development every day in a natural, everyday way.
This place would be called The In-Between Time.
External Confidential Contact
Our external confidential contact is available for anyone who wishes to discuss sensitive issues in a safe and confidential way
External Confidential Counselor
Truus Janssen
Hello, I’m Truus Janssen.
I provide a safe and trustworthy environment where you can speak freely and in confidence. With empathy and respect, I listen to what’s going on and help you find an appropriate way forward or, if needed, refer you to the right support.
With my many years of experience working with people from different backgrounds and situations, I can quickly sense what is needed. Together, we look for clarity, recovery, and practical next steps.